Market Trends of Boat Rental Industry
The Motorboat Segment is Expected to be the Fastest-growing Segment by Boat Type Over the Forecast Period
The motorboat segment is creating a community of occasional boat users and boat owners, where a motorboat can be rented based on location, type, feature, and duration. This peer-to-peer service has put thousands of unused boats to work. Owners and rental companies offer boats with a captain and crew, or they hand over the boat to the renter. In the latter case, renter companies and the boat owner first review the renter's experience, boating knowledge, and availability of certifications before renting a boat.
The travel industry is booming, and several boat rental companies are offering various services to users to cater to recreational boating needs across the world. Europe has been leading the market, with some companies offering numerous services in the region. For instance, companies like Artsy London Houseboat, Canal Houseboat Holiday, Group Adriatic Sailboat Adventure, Finnish Floating Cabin, etc., are some of the companies offering luxury services in the region.
The expanding tourism industry and rising disposable income are expected to drive the market forward. Developments in autonomous marine technology will increase the demand for less skilled motorized boats. The presence of many manufacturers in this well-integrated and fragmented industry ensures a consistent supply for the country's demand for luxury yachts. In 2023, 15.7% of the US population participated in water sports activities, an increase of 1.3% from 2022.
Asia-Pacific is Expected to Exhibit the Highest Growth Rate During Forecast Period
The growing recreational and tourism industry across Asia-Pacific attracts a steady stream of high-net-worth travelers seeking unique and extravagant experiences. Boat rental services are gaining popularity in the region as more people take part in water sports and recreational activities.
The growth in international visitor arrivals that started in early 2022 gained momentum in early 2023, with over 93.3 million foreign arrivals added, marking a substantial increase compared to the previous period. This boosted the tourism rate for early 2023 to more than 68% of the arrival levels in 2019. International visitor arrivals are expected to contribute to the growth of this segment in the coming years.
The burgeoning population in China and India, representing over 38% of the global populace, is a key driver behind the growth of the market studied in this region. This surge is fueled by rising urbanization and evolving consumer preferences driven by higher disposable incomes. The increasing appeal of water-based recreational activities, such as water sports, fishing, and marine tourism, across India, Japan, Malaysia, China, and Australia presents lucrative opportunities in the boat sports industry.
In the region, particularly in China, where there are 1,034,000 millionaires and 11,000 citizens worth at least USD 30 million, there is a huge potential for boat rental businesses. Furthermore, the Chinese government is trying to promote yachting as a leisure activity to be enjoyed by many rather than a luxury commodity. Similarly, in India, there are more than 169 billionaires and 344,600 high-new-worth individuals. Thus, many US and European companies that provide rental services, marinas, and other water sports have expanded their presence in China, India, and other Asian countries.
Moreover, the proactive implementation of favorable governmental initiatives in the Asia-Pacific countries to foster marine tourism is anticipated to further propel market growth.
